UNDER-FIRE Transport Minister Humza Yousaf will this week face MSPs to answer concerns over the railways.

The Transport Minister will this week face MSPs to answer concerns over the railways

He announced yesterday he will make a statement to Holyrood after opponents demanded he appear to discuss his "back of a fag packet" plans to nationalise ScotRail following sustained criticism of operator Abellio.

He said: "It is important to keep Parliament informed of the actions I am taking to ensure ScotRail improve our rail services and I will be proposing to make a statement to Parliament this week.

"I also reiterate my offer to the rail unions, opposition politicians and public sector organisations to meet me to discuss the possible shape of a public sector franchise bid. I'm prepared to work with anyone serious about improving services."

Nicola Sturgeon in pictures

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in pictures.

Nicola Sturgeon visiting the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Scotland, to celebrate 25 years of Heart Transplantation. December 9, 2016.

During a TV appearance on Sunday, Mr Yousaf announced plans to put together a "viable and competitive" public sector bid to run the railways, which could be ready for 2020 when a clause in the contract with Abellio would allow for it to be broken.

But Scottish Conservative's finance spokesman Murdo Fraser subsequently called the proposal "half-baked" and said: "If this is a serious proposal, he needs to offer some clear answers to Parliament on how exactly it would work.

"How much would it cost taxpayers? Who would pay for new trains? Either Mr Yousaf can answer these questions or we will know for sure his plans were scribbled over the weekend on the back of a fag packet."

DANNY LAWSON/PA

Humza Yousaf is to face Parliament to discuss his plans for ScotRail's nationalisation

However, Mr Fraser welcomed the minister's U-turn and added: "The people of Scotland need to know what's going on as a matter of urgency."

Scottish Labour also echoed calls for Mr Yousaf to make an urgent statement to MSPs, saying "exasperated commuters" deserved answers.

The £6billion ScotRail franchise was awarded to Abellio last year with passengers promised faster journey times, cheaper tickets and more seats. But the service has been regularly criticised over its punctuality and reliability.

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Humza Yousaf said it was important MSPs were informed about his actions

Mr Yousaf and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have warned Abellio that it could be stripped of the contract if its performance does not improve.

And on Sunday, Mr Yousaf promised to hold discussions with a view to possibly nationalise the franchise when it comes up for renewal, either at a five-year contract break in 2020, or when the 10-year deal ends.

Charlotte Twyning, Abellio's director of policy, strategy and communications, said the firm had "no problem" competing with public bids.

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Mr Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon warned Abellio that it could be stripped of the contract

She added: "However, it should be recognised that half of the rail industry is already nationalised in the form of Network Rail and any operator that runs the ScotRail franchise - public or private - does so to a tightly specified Government contract, which means ministers set fares and essentially determine how many seats are available and how much overcrowding exists across the network."